Leonel Guajardo

Leonel “Lee” Guajardo, 84, of Copperas Cove passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1001 Georgetown Road in Copperas Cove with burial and full military honors following at the Copperas Cove City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-6:30 on Wednesday, February 16, 2002, with a Rosary following at Viss Family Funeral Home, 1614 S. FM 116, Copperas Cove, TX 76522.

Lee was born on March 24, 1937, in Rio Hondo, TX to the late Jose Angel and Genoveva (Garcia) Guajardo.  Lee married his sweetheart, Evila Treviño on April 28, 1961.

SFC Guajardo served honorably in the United States Army for 20 years, including two tours to Vietnam.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with one service stripe and two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 devices, Four Overseas Service Bars, Meritorious Service Medal, and six Service Stripes.

After retiring in Fort Benning, GA, Lee brought his family back to his home state of Texas.  Lee worked another 21 years and retired from the City of Copperas Cove, Parks and Recreation.  An avid hard worker, retirement did not stop him as he continued to work part-time at the Hills of Cove Golf Course.  He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church of Copperas Cove, an ex-member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  He was preceded by his parents, five brothers, two sisters, his son-in-law, Robert Fleming, and by his loving wife, “Eve”, of 60 years of marriage.

Lee loved life and was active in all sports, especially golf. When not on the golf course, Lee loved spending time with his family, grilling, fishing, gardening, and tinkering with cars and other mechanical devices.  He will always be remembered for his outgoing personality; he never met a stranger.  Most of all, he will be remembered for his love for his family, frequently saying to them, “May God Bless you.”

Lee is survived by his three children, his daughter Martha Fleming, his sons Leonel Jr. and wife Kathy (Neiman), and Jose and wife Michelle (Conway).  He is also survived by five brothers and one sister along with a multitude of nieces and nephews.  “Papa”, as he was lovingly called, will be missed by his five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren with one on the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.